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Gary Reasons
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Gary Phillip Reasons (born February 18, 1962) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Northwestern State Demons from 1980 to 1983 and was the first player chosen as a first-team Division I-AA All-America team in three consecutive years. He also played professional football in the NFL for the New York Giants (1984–1991) and Cincinnati Bengals (1992). He played on the Giants teams that won Super Bowl XXI and Super Bowl XXV. Reasons later worked as a college football television analyst and sideline reporter for ABC/ESPN and Fox Sports Southwest. He has been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.
Key Information
Early years
[edit]Reasons was born in 1962 in Chicago. He grew up in Texas and attended Crowley High School in Crowley, Texas.[1] He played at linebacker and tight end for the Crowley football team and played other sports as well, earning a total of 13 varsity letters from 1976 to 1980.[2]
Northwestern State
[edit]Reasons attended Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. He played college football as a linebacker for the Northwestern State Demons football team from 1980 to 1983. He set Northwestern State records for most tackles in a game (24), a season (172) and in a career (394). He was the first player to be named three times to the Division I-AA All-America team selected by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA).[3][4] As a senior, he was selected as a third-team All-American by Gannett News Service, an honor that typically only goes to Division I-A players.[5]
NFL
[edit]Reasons was selected by the New York Giants in the fourth round (105th overall pick) of the 1984 NFL draft.[6] He played for the Giants for eight years from 1984 to 1991, appearing in 122 games, including 80 as a starter.[1] In December 1989, Reasons made a diving tackle against Bobby Humphrey of the Denver Broncos in the snow at Mile High Stadium in Denver. Reasons stopped Humphrey short of the goal-line, and the Giants won the game, helping them advance to the playoffs.[7][8] Three years later, The New York Times published an article about the hit, writing,
Reasons, a Giant linebacker, tackled a man with his head. In fact, his head tackled the other guy's head in midair. It was such a spectacular collision that, Reasons said, people still exclaim about it.[9]
Reasons also made a notable play during the 1990 NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers, running for 30 yards on a fourth-quarter fake punt play, which helped the Giants win 15-13 and advance to Super Bowl XXV.
In early 1992, the Giants did not include Reasons on their 37-man Plan B protected list.[10] He returned to the Giants but injured his knee during training camp and was released on injury settlement. He signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in September 1992.[11] He appeared in 12 games for the Bengals, nine as a starter, in 1992.[1]
Reasons played in the NFL for nine seasons, appeared in 134 games, and totaled 10 interceptions, 137 interception return yards, nine fumble recoveries, and three-and-a-half sacks.[1]
Honors
[edit]Reasons has received multiple honors for his football career, including the following:
- In 1984, Northwestern State retired his No. 34 jersey, one of only three to have been retired by the school.[12]
- On April 5, 1991, Reasons was honored by the Northwestern State and city of Natchitoches with the celebration of "Gary Reasons Day". As part of the celebration, he was enshrined in the Natchitoches "Walk of Honor".[13][14]
- Reasons was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996.[3] He was inducted as part of the first group of players from smaller schools.[12]
- He was also inducted into Northwestern State's N-Club Hall of Fame in 1996.[4]
- In 1997, he was also inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.[15]
Later years
[edit]Reasons married Terri Matthews, and they had three children: Nicholas, Randi, and Lacy.[15] He owned and operated a company that supplied amusement machines to restaurants, clubs, and arcades in the Houston ara.[15]
Reasons was also the owner and president of the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz of the AF2 arena football league. He also served as the team's head coach in 2004 and again in 2008.[16][17]
Reasons also worked for more than 20 years as a college football game analyst, color commentator, and sideline reporter for ABC/ESPN and Fox Sports Southwest.[2][18]
Head coaching record
[edit]| Team | Year | Regular season | Postseason | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Won | Lost | Win % | Finish | Won | Lost | Win % | Result | ||
| OKC | 2004 | 10 | 6 | .625 | 2nd in Southwest | 0 | 1 | .000 | Lost to Peoria Pirates in wild card round |
| OKC | 2008 | 1 | 5 | .167 | resigned mid-season[19] | 0 | 0 | .000 | – |
| Total | 11 | 11 | .500 | 0 | 1 | .000 | |||
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "Gary Reasons". Pro Football Archives. Archived from the original on August 23, 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
- ^ a b "Gary Reasons Returns Home to Crowley High School". Crowley School District. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
- ^ a b "Gary Reasons". National Football Foundation. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
- ^ a b "Gary Reasons". Northwestern State Demons. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
- ^ Buchsbaum, Joel S. (November 29, 1983). "Young, not Rozier deserves trophy". The Pensacola Journal. Gannett News Service. p. 3B. Retrieved February 26, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "1984 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
- ^ Litsky, Frank (December 11, 1989). "Giants Plow Past Broncos in Snow, 14-7 - The New York Times". The New York Times. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
- ^ Litsky, Frank (January 21, 1991). "Fantastic Finish Puts Giants in Super Bowl vs. Bills". The New York Times. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
- ^ "Gary Reasons' Head". The New York Times. January 6, 1990. p. 45.
- ^ "Giants planning to be different". The Sunday Record. February 2, 1992. p. S12 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Reasons fills void from Bentley injury". The Cincinnati Enquirer. September 16, 1992. p. E3 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b "Reasons a good Hall of Famer". The Town Talk. May 18, 1996. p. B7 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "NSU, Natchitoches declare 'Gary Reasons Day'". The Town Talk. March 24, 1991. p. B6 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Reasons Day: Natchitoches honors NFL and former Demon star". Alexandria Daily Town Talk. April 6, 1991. pp. B1, B4 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c "Overcoming obstacles: Lack of interest didn't keep Reasons from big career". The Times. July 11, 1997. p. 6C – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "In Focus: Yard Dawgz coach Gary Reasons; One man, many hats". The Daily Oklahoman. December 13, 2007. pp. 1C, 6C – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Ex-Giant will coach new Arena 2 team". The Daily Oklahoman. January 8, 2004. p. C1 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Special assignment: Reasons will handle on-field TV analyst role for TCU-OU game". The Daily Oklahoman. September 26, 2008. p. 2C – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Martin, Ray (May 12, 2008). "Reasons Steps Down as Yard Dawgs coach". The Oklahoman. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
External links
[edit]- Career statistics from NFL.com · Pro Football Reference
- Gary Reasons hit on Bobby Humphrey (1989)
Gary Reasons
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life
Childhood and family background
Gary Reasons was born on February 18, 1962, in Chicago, Illinois.[1] His family relocated to Texas during his early childhood, where he grew up just south of Fort Worth, including time in the small town of Crowley.[5] From a young age, Reasons demonstrated a passion for athletics, beginning his involvement in football and other sports in Crowley, Texas. He participated in multiple disciplines prior to organized high school play, which helped develop his physical abilities and competitive spirit.High school career
Gary Reasons attended Crowley High School in Crowley, Texas, graduating in 1980 after a distinguished athletic career spanning 1976 to 1980.[6] At Crowley, Reasons demonstrated remarkable versatility by excelling as both a linebacker on defense and a tight end on offense, often contributing significantly in multiple roles during games to support his team's needs.[6] His ability to switch seamlessly between positions highlighted his athletic adaptability and work ethic, earning him recognition as a standout multi-sport athlete who also competed in other sports, accumulating 13 varsity letters overall.[6] Reasons' high school performance garnered key honors, including all-region selection as a linebacker and first-team all-state honors as a tight end following his senior season, underscoring his leadership and impact on the Eagles' football team.[6][7] His achievements drew recruitment interest from colleges, culminating in a scholarship offer from Northwestern State University in Louisiana, where he committed to continue his football career as a linebacker.[6]College career
Time at Northwestern State
Gary Reasons enrolled at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, in 1980, joining the Northwestern State Demons football program competing at the Division I-AA level (now known as FCS). As an honor student, he pursued a degree in business administration, maintaining strong academic performance throughout his college career while balancing the demands of athletics.[8][9] Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing approximately 235 pounds, Reasons possessed an imposing frame suited for linebacker duties, drawing from his high school versatility in multiple positions. Midway through his freshman season in 1980, he transitioned into a starting role on the defensive unit, marking the beginning of his emergence as a key contributor to the team's efforts.[2][8] Over the subsequent years from 1981 to 1983, Reasons solidified his position as a starter, progressively enhancing the Demons' defensive capabilities through consistent on-field presence and leadership. His development allowed him to anchor the linebacker corps, supporting the team's strategies in competitive Division I-AA matchups and contributing to overall defensive cohesion during his tenure.[10][8]College achievements and records
During his college career at Northwestern State University, Gary Reasons established several enduring school records as a linebacker, amassing a total of 394 tackles, which remains the program's all-time record.[3] In his senior year of 1983, he recorded 172 tackles, another school record for a single season, while also setting the single-game mark with 24 tackles against McNeese State.[11] These accomplishments were bolstered by his imposing 6-foot-4, 235-pound frame, which allowed him to dominate run defenses and pursue ball carriers effectively.[2] Reasons earned widespread recognition for his defensive prowess, becoming the first player in Division I-AA history to be named to the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) All-America first team three consecutive times (1981, 1982, 1983).[8] He also secured All-Louisiana First Team linebacker honors from the Louisiana Sports Writers Association in 1981 and 1982, and in 1983, he was voted the organization's Defensive MVP as the top defensive player in the state.[11] Additionally, he was selected as Northwestern State's Most Valuable Defensive Player and named a permanent team captain that year.[11] As a defensive leader, Reasons anchored Northwestern State's unit during a period of competitive play as an independent program in Division I-AA, contributing to the team's defensive rankings and fostering a culture of toughness among his peers through his on-field intensity and captaincy role.[3] His efforts helped elevate the Demons' defense, setting a standard for future linebackers at the program.[11]Professional career
NFL draft and rookie year
Reasons was selected by the New York Giants in the fourth round, 105th overall, of the 1984 NFL Draft out of Northwestern State University.[1] As a fourth-round pick, he signed a standard rookie contract with the Giants, typical for mid-round selections at the time, which provided a multi-year deal with a modest signing bonus.[12] Transitioning to the professional level proved challenging during training camp, where head coach Bill Parcells, known for his demanding style, initially hesitated to rely on rookies due to concerns over their readiness for NFL physicality and complexity.[13] Despite these hurdles, Reasons quickly adapted to the faster pace and intricate defensive schemes under Parcells, leveraging his college tackling prowess to secure a spot on the depth chart.[14] His college background in run defense aided his early success against professional offenses. In the 1984 season, Reasons appeared in all 16 games for the Giants, starting 11 as an inside linebacker, where he contributed significantly to the team's improved defense that finished 9-7 and reached the playoffs.[15] Key statistical highlights included 2 interceptions for 26 yards, 3 fumble recoveries, and 1 sack, with notable performances such as 7 tackles, an interception, and 2 pass deflections in a Week 6 win over the Eagles.[1][16] Reasons' strong rookie campaign earned him recognition on the Pro Football Writers Association (PFWA) All-Rookie Team, alongside fellow Giants rookies Carl Banks and others, underscoring his immediate impact on Parcells' rebuilding defense.[17][18]New York Giants years
Gary Reasons spent seven seasons with the New York Giants from 1985 to 1991, appearing in 106 regular-season games and starting 67 as an inside linebacker in the team's 3-4 defensive scheme.[1] He formed a formidable tandem with Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor, contributing to defenses that ranked among the NFL's elite, including top-10 units in points allowed during the 1986 and 1990 seasons. Over his Giants tenure, Reasons recorded 8 interceptions for 111 return yards, with notable picks including a 40-yard interception in 1989 and three in 1990, while also forcing 5 fumbles and recovering 5.[1] Additionally, he served as the Giants' NFL Players Association representative and on the NFLPA Executive Council, advocating for player interests during a period of labor tensions.[19] One of Reasons' signature moments came on December 10, 1989, against the Denver Broncos, when he delivered a thunderous hit on running back Bobby Humphrey at the goal line during a crucial third-and-1 stand late in the fourth quarter.[20] The play, known as "The Hit," stuffed Humphrey for a 1-yard loss, preserving a 13-10 Giants victory and exemplifying the physicality of the era's defenses.[21] In the postseason, Reasons showcased versatility in the 1990 NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers, taking a direct snap on a fourth-quarter fake punt and rumbling 30 yards up the middle to shift momentum in a 15-13 Giants win that propelled them to the Super Bowl.[22] Reasons was a key contributor to the Giants' two Super Bowl victories during his tenure. He appeared in Super Bowl XXI following the 1986 season, helping anchor the defense in a 39-20 rout of the Denver Broncos, where the Giants' unit limited Denver to just 10 points in the second half.[23] In Super Bowl XXV after the 1990 season, Reasons led the team with 6 tackles in a 20-19 victory over the Buffalo Bills, contributing to a defensive effort that held Buffalo to 19 points despite the Bills' high-powered no-huddle offense.[4] His consistent play alongside Taylor solidified his role as a reliable starter and special teams captain, earning him recognition as one of the franchise's top 100 players.[24]Cincinnati Bengals stint
After being left unprotected by the New York Giants on their 37-man Plan B list in early 1992, Reasons returned for training camp but suffered a knee injury that led to a four-week injury settlement and his waiver on September 1.[25][26][27][28] The Cincinnati Bengals signed him as a free agent on September 17.[29] In his only season with the Bengals, Reasons appeared in 12 games, starting nine, and contributed to the team's defensive efforts by forcing one fumble and recovering another.[1] His prior experience in a similar 3-4 defensive alignment with the Giants facilitated a smooth transition to Cincinnati's scheme under head coach Sam Wyche, where he primarily handled run support and coverage duties.[30] Reasons, then 30 years old, retired from professional football at the conclusion of the 1992 season, bringing an end to his nine-year NFL career.[1]Awards and honors
Collegiate recognitions
Reasons was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996 for his exceptional performance as a linebacker at Northwestern State University, where he became the first player in Division I-AA history to earn All-America honors three consecutive times.[8] In 1997, he was enshrined in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing his pioneering status as the inaugural three-time All-American in NCAA Division I-AA football.[2] Reasons received induction into the Northwestern State University N-Club Hall of Fame in 1996, honoring his legacy as the only three-time All-American in the program's nine decades of football history.[11] Among other Division I-AA/FCS historical recognitions, Reasons' achievements have been retrospectively highlighted in NCAA awards programs and university retrospectives as setting a benchmark for defensive excellence at the FCS level, with his No. 34 jersey retired by Northwestern State in 1984—the third such honor in school history.[8][11]Professional accolades
Gary Reasons earned recognition early in his NFL career by being selected to the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) All-Rookie Team in 1984, following a standout debut season as a linebacker for the New York Giants.[17] He contributed significantly to the Giants' defensive success, leading the team in tackles during Super Bowl XXV with six stops in the 20-19 victory over the Buffalo Bills, a performance that underscored his role in the championship triumph.[2] Reasons was a key member of two Super Bowl-winning teams with the Giants, securing championships in Super Bowl XXI after the 1986 season (a 39-20 win over the Denver Broncos) and Super Bowl XXV after the 1990 season (a 20-19 win over the Buffalo Bills).[1] In 2024, the New York Giants honored his legacy by ranking him No. 76 on their Top 100 Players of All-Time list, selected by an independent panel of journalists, executives, and alumni, highlighting his contributions over eight seasons with the franchise.[31] Beyond on-field achievements, Reasons was twice named to the All-Madden Team, selected by legendary coach and broadcaster John Madden for his video game series, recognizing his tackling prowess and defensive impact.[32] He also demonstrated leadership off the field by serving on the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) Executive Committee during his career, including as the Giants' player representative, where he advocated for players' rights and contributed to negotiations that introduced free agency in 1993.[33]Post-playing career
Coaching positions
After retiring from the NFL, Gary Reasons transitioned into coaching with the inaugural season of the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz in the AF2 arena football league, serving as the team's first head coach in 2004.[34] In that role, he guided the expansion franchise to a 10–6 regular-season record, securing a playoff appearance in their debut year despite a first-round loss.[35] Reasons resigned as head coach following the season, citing a desire to focus on other opportunities, though he remained involved with the organization in subsequent years.[36] In 2007, Reasons assumed the position of team president under new owner Phil Miller, overseeing operations for the Yard Dawgz as the franchise navigated league challenges.[37] He returned to the sideline as head coach in 2008 while retaining his presidential duties, but the team struggled early, posting a 1–5 record before Reasons stepped down midseason to allow for a coaching change.[38] Reasons' head coaching tenure with the Yard Dawgz spanned two stints, compiling an overall record of 11 wins and 12 losses.| Season | Team | Games Coached | Wins | Losses | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz | 17 | 10 | 7 | .588 |
| 2008 | Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz | 6 | 1 | 5 | .167 |